The Plan
Investing in Crosby-Ironton Students and Schools
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, district voters will decide whether to approve an operating levy that would provide $1.5 million annually – or $1,521 per pupil – for 10 years to protect quality education in our district.
A voter-approved operating levy would allow Crosby-Ironton Schools to stabilize our budget and continue delivering the well-rounded, high-quality education our community expects and our students deserve.
If approved by voters, funding from the operating levy would be used to:
Restore the district’s fund balance to board policy levels (7% or higher)
Maintain manageable class sizes, ensuring every student gets the attention they need to succeed
Attract and retain talented staff — including teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and family service workers
Sustain elective courses and provide adequate classroom supplies and materials for teachers
Preserve student support services for academic, social, and emotional needs
Keep our buildings and grounds safe, clean, and well maintained
Continue offering a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities — from athletics to activities like knowledge bowl, robotics, National Honor Society, and yearbook — without relying entirely on fundraising
Our proposed plan is based on careful planning, community input, and lessons from past referendums. We’ve reviewed enrollment trends, long-term financial projections, and the cumulative impact of recent cuts to ensure this operating levy request is focused on preserving quality education while being fiscally responsible.
Why is a healthy fund balance important?
A strong fund balance acts like a savings account for the school district. It helps cover day-to-day costs, pay for unexpected expenses, and handle economic hardship without immediately cutting staff or programs.
If the fund balance is too low, the district could face problems like borrowing money at a high cost, disrupting daily operations, or making sudden, painful cuts that hurt students and learning.
That’s why the Crosby-Ironton School Board maintains a policy of keeping the fund balance at 7% or higher to protect education and ensure long-term financial stability.
What if voters reject the operating levy referendum?
On August 25, 2025, the Crosby-Ironton School Board approved a plan to make additional budget reductions if the referendum is not approved. This plan includes almost $1 million in cuts that would significantly impact students through reductions in programs, staffing, and services. These reductions include:
Online & College in the Schools (CIS) Contracts:
Infinity (Online)
Bemidji State University (CIS)
Six Full-Time Employees:
1 Elementary Teacher
1 High School Science Teacher
1 FACS Teacher
1 Music Teacher
1 Foreign Language Teacher
1 High School Custodian
Reduce One School Counselor Position to Half-Time
Suspend All Purchases of Curriculum and Instructional Supplies
Defund all Extra-Curricular Activities:
Sports 100% Defunded: Football, Volleyball, Cross-Country, Tennis, Boys/Girls Basketball, Dance, Wrestling, Track, Baseball, Softball, Boys/Girls Golf
Activities 100% Defunded: Band/Choir during day, Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society, Prom, Robotics, SALT, Special Olympics, Strength & Conditioning, Student Council, Yearbook
*These reductions would leave the District with a 3.88% fund balance to start the 2026-2027 School Year.
*Students will be able to meet state graduation requirements.